How Do You Grow Blue Jade Corn?

Growing Blue Jade Corn: A Jewel in Your Garden

Every year, I find myself eagerly awaiting the chance to plant my favorite variety of corn: Blue Jade Corn. This dwarf corn is a real treasure, boasting deep blue kernels that are as stunning to look at as they are delicious to eat.

Why Choose Blue Jade Corn?

Blue Jade Corn is not just visually appealing; it’s also incredibly practical for small garden spaces. Standing at just about three feet tall, it fits perfectly in urban gardens or even patio containers. Despite its small stature, it produces lovely, sweet corn that’s perfect for summer salads or roasting on the grill.

Blue Jade Corn yields about 2-3 ears per stalk, making it a bountiful choice for its size.

Preparation and Planting

When I first started growing Blue Jade Corn, I quickly learned that soil preparation is key. This corn thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. I like to mix compost into my garden bed a few weeks before planting to ensure a nutrient-rich environment.

Planting Tips

• Plant seeds when the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F. Corn loves warmth!
• Space seeds about 6 inches apart in rows at least 2 feet apart to ensure adequate sun and air circulation.

Once the seeds are in the ground, I water them thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist. It’s crucial to be gentle during this stage to avoid disturbing the seeds.

Care and Feeding

Blue Jade Corn requires regular feeding, so I usually apply a balanced organic fertilizer when the plants reach about 12 inches in height. This gives them the nutrients they need to produce those vibrant ears of corn. During the growing season, I keep an eye out for weeds and remove them promptly to reduce competition for nutrients.

Pollination

Pollination can be a bit tricky with smaller corn varieties like Blue Jade. To ensure good pollination, I plant in blocks rather than rows. This way, the wind can effectively transfer pollen from tassels to silks. If you’re growing in a container, you might need to hand-pollinate. Simply shake the tassels over the silks to help the process along.

Harvesting

The first time I harvested Blue Jade Corn, I couldn’t believe how vibrant its ears looked. It typically takes about 70-80 days to mature. I check for ripeness when the kernels are full and milky by gently piercing a kernel with a fingernail.

Storage

After harvesting, I find the best way to enjoy Blue Jade Corn is fresh. However, you can also blanch and freeze the kernels if you have an abundant harvest. This method preserves their sweet flavor for months.

Pests and Challenges

Though Blue Jade Corn is resilient, it isn’t immune to pests. I’ve experienced attacks from corn earworms in the past. The best defense is regular inspection and using organic methods like neem oil to keep them at bay.

Growing Blue Jade Corn is a rewarding journey. Watching the azure kernels form is a sight to behold, and the taste is simply unmatched. It brings a unique beauty and flavor to the garden that I cherish every season.

Overall, growing blue jade corn is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Not only does it add a unique appeal and sophistication to any garden, but the corn itself is a delightful snack or ingredient. With some patience and effort and some soil-specific modifications, successfully growing blue jade corn is an achievable goal for any home gardener.